NFC Storylines

An impressive feat for Philadelphia — especially with the AFC previously winning four of the last five Lombardi Trophies. Are we in the midst of a league-wide power shift? The NFC appears deeper than the AFC.

Several NFC teams enter the 2018 season with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. Here are 10 questions to evaluate as the season kicks off.

1. Can the Eagles repeat?

It’s certainly possible. Quarterback Carson Wentz, who threw 33 touchdowns before an ACL tear in early December, resumes the starting role after Nick Foles earned Super Bowl MVP honors in his absence. Gotta love that depth at football’s most important position. Plus, the Eagles return the core of their roster and made several splashes in free agency (defensive end Michael Bennett, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and wide receiver Mike Wallace). Eagles coach Doug Pederson was the Green Bay Packers‘ backup quarterback when they reached consecutive Super Bowls (1996-97). Now, he’ll attempt to win consecutive Super Bowls.

Probably not. No offense to Cousins, who eclipsed 4,000 yards passing in each of the last three seasons, but Minnesota is betting the house on a quarterback with exactly zero postseason victories. If the Vikings fail to win a Super Bowl (which would be their first) during Cousins’ three-year deal, then consider it a flop. Expectations in Minnesota are as large as Cousins’ paycheck.

3. Are the Rams in position to take the next step?

Absolutely. Los Angeles snapped a playoff drought that dates back to 2005 by making it to the wild-card round last season. Second-year coach Sean McVay has assembled a roster that stacks up with the best in the league. Buckle up.

4. Which team has the easiest path to the Super Bowl?

From a schedule standpoint, it’s the Green Bay Packers. Mike McCarthy’s squad plays three of its four December games at home. In December, when the weather at Lambeau Field is most unforgiving, three teams that play in domes visit Green Bay: Arizona, Atlanta and Detroit. That has to make quarterback Aaron Rodgers smile.

5. Will Saquon Barkley eclipse 1,000 yards rushing?

Yes. The Giants’ No. 2 overall draft pick is in position for rookie success similar to Ezekiel Elliott’s 2016 production (1,631 rushing yards). The Giants must shore up their O-Line, but Barkley has true star potential.

6. Will the Lions finally win a playoff game?

Nope. The last time Detroit achieved this feat? 1991. The Lions opted to fire head coach Jim Caldwell after four seasons and brought in former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to help right the ship — but the waters are bound to be choppy to start, with Green Bay and Minnesota the class of the division.

7. How will the Buccaneers fare during QB Jamies Winston’s three-game suspension?

Zero wins and three losses. Tampa Bay begins the year facing a quarterback gauntlet: Drew Brees (Saints), Carson Wentz (Eagles), and Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers). Instead of Winston, the Bucs will trot out 35-year-old journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick with a retooled, but unproven, defense. Yikes.

8. Which under-the-radar NFC rookie will generate surprise buzz?

Former Colorado State wide receiver Michael Gallup. The Dallas Cowboys’ third-round pick regularly turned heads through training camp and his first career NFL catch went for a 30-yard touchdown. Dez Bryant’s exit leaves plenty of targets now available for quarterback Dak Prescott. Who says Gallup can’t fill the void?

9. Who are some returning players who will break out this year?

Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson led his position group in touchdowns (six) and should continue to develop with Alex Smith’s help; Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is back from an ACL tear and flashed star power as a rookie; Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky enters Year 2 with more command and a new offensive coordinator in Mark Helfrich.

10. Who will make the playoffs from the NFC?

The division winners will be Minnesota, Philadelphia, the Rams and Atlanta. The wild cards will be San Francisco and Green Bay.